Mindfulness can be defined as the act of being present in the moment while acknowledging your thoughts and feelings calmly and without judgment. You can practice mindfulness anywhere and at anytime and practicing in nature can add a special boost. At the heart of mindfulness practice is the notion of being truly present and observant. It’s easy to glaze over the finer details in life or zone out. Mindfulness teaches us the beauty and peace that can be found when we truly tune in, slow down, and take notice of our surroundings and ourselves.

Feel the sun’s rays on your face. Close your eyes, be still, and feel the sun’s rays pouring over you. Allow your mind to get quiet and notice the way your eyes feel and tune into your thoughts as you let the sun’s rays engulf you. What does the temperature feel like? The light? Notice the differences in light that you can see even with your eyes closed. Release any judgments about your thoughts or feelings. Simply acknowledge them and release them into the sun.

Pretend you’re a rock, tree, or animal.One of the most profound ways to connect with nature while also boosting your imaginative skills is to pretend you’re a rock, tree, animal, or other element of the natural world. What does the rock see? What does it hear? What is life like from its position on the ground?

Tune into the birdsongs.When we sit and listen to the quiet of the world around us, we begin to notice the intricate sounds of birds. Attune your attention to one specific bird and follow its song. Simply listen and stay with the volume, calls, and communications of your chosen bird.

Go on a nature walk. A nature walk is a simple way to engage in mindfulness practices and enjoy your surroundings. Simply walk in nature, observe your breath and your thoughts, and take in all of the details. Enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of your walk without engaging with your iPhone or worrying about the future. Stay present with your steps as you let nature guide you.

RedCliff Ascent is a therapeutic wilderness program, nestled between two mountain ranges in the high desert of Enterprise, UT. We focus on adolescents ages 13-17 who are struggling with various challenges from anxiety and depression, to school abandonment and the need to reconnect with their family. With over 25 years of experience, RedCliff uses a relational model and narrative therapy to drive an outcome and an evidence-based approach. RedCliff Recovery offers an experience like no other through a proven, 12-step, adventure-based wilderness program. For more information, call us today: 801-921-8488.